We finally got some glorious and much-needed rain. The trees and plants are happy and so are the ponds. I know everyone wants sun and warmth — and so do I — but we can use a rainy day occasionally.

Happy Birthday to all who celebrated their day this past week. Big balloons go out to Kayra Carlos, Rigali Rivera and Marina Soares, who celebrated on June 17; Teagan Brown and Heytor Dias, June 18; Desmond Moore, June 19; Carlos Dias and Asher Sawa, June 21; Christian Fisher, June 22; and to Allure Wilson who celebrates on June 23.

We are getting a lot of questions about hydrangeas this year. The winter we had was warmer than usual, and then we had those four days of freezing cold in february that affected the shrubs in a big way. The hydrangeas seem to be growing new growth, which is a good thing. Hopefully they will bloom but time will tell. Just know that if you are having trouble with them, you are not alone.

Our sympathies go out to the family of Albert White. He passed away on May 28 at the age of 94. Albie was an Island legend, being the last White brother of White Brothers Construction Company. He and his three brothers are known for putting most of the original roads on the Vineyard and, in later years, asphalting them.

He always had a twinkle in his eye, but the apple of his eyes were his daughters Debbie Scott, Shauna Smith and Toni Hanover, his late daughter Lisa Snowden, and of course his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Albie was always happy-go-lucky and will be missed by many. A celebration of life to honor him will be held on Saturday, June 24 from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Grange Hall in West Tisbury.

School let out this week. Summer camps are starting but it also means more kids on the bike path or walking to friends or downtown. Please drive carefully and keep a watchful eye on the roads. I have noticed that many kids have electric scooters and electric bikes and they travel at max speed. So there is even more reason to look up and down the paths.

Don’t forget the library offers many activities throughout the summer. Elyse Bonnell has some great programs for children young and old. Keep an eye open for the outdoor concerts starting soon.

The Martha’s Vineyard Museum has a Discovery Days summer class series for children, with eight-week sessions running from July 11 to August 11. This program is offered to children ages five through twelve. For more information you can contact Kate Ridenour, the museum’s associate director of audience engagement, at 508-627-4441 ext. 122 or kridenour@mvmuseum.org.

Have a great week and keep the home candles burning.